Storm outlook for talented teenager
FOLLOWING in the footsteps of Innisfail’s Billy Slater and Mareeba’s Ben Hampton, Robert Derby (below) has become the latest Far North product to grab the attention of the NRL’s benchmark club. The 17-year-old Brothers Cairns centre has snared the kind of rugby league opportunity most other kids his age can only dream of, after he was offered a development player contract with the Melbourne Storm.
FOLLOWING in the footsteps of Innisfail’s Billy Slater and Mareeba’s Ben Hampton, Robert Derby has become the latest Far North product to pique the interest of the Melbourne Storm.
The 17-year-old has snared a rugby league opportunity that most kids his age can only dream of, after being offered a development contract with the NRL’s benchmark club.
He was approached by the club following an impressive showing at the Confraternity Shield, a state footy carnival for private schools, in June.
“They prepared a development contract until the end of next season,” he said.
“They suggested I move down to the Sunny Coast and play with the Falcons under-20s next year, which is the Storm’s feeder club.”
It’s an incredible achievement for Derby, who tried out for the Northern Pride’s under-18s late last year, but was overlooked.
Derby said it was “disappointing” to miss out, but it gave him motivation to train even harder.
“It’s always been my dream to play in the NRL,” he said.
“I’ve got to keep working hard and if I play good enough, I might be able to get a contract extension at the end of next year.”
Derby started the season with Brothers under-18s, before he was called up to make his A grade debut in Round 15.
He said he would have liked to play A grade earlier, but his mum wouldn’t let him.
“She wasn’t really into it, but one weekend my dad was down and he convinced her to let me play,” he said.
“I’ve played four A grade games now. She’s still a bit scared of it, but she knows I’m doing well and looking after myself.”
Brothers A grade coach Paul Stevens said Derby had taken his footy to another level this season.
“He’s developing physically and he’s really maturing as well,” he said. “He’d probably be about six-foot at the moment and only around 80-85kg, so potentially there’s so much more upside to him.
“He’s a big body and he’s just so strong and powerful.
“He can also play a variety of positions. He could end up being on the wing or in the second row when he fills out.”